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Transition Ritual

Ritual in Dakar

The Senegal Area fulfilled its key role in the Ritual planned to accompany the transition of the General House from Brooklyn to Rome. Indeed, on Monday, November 10th, a ceremony took place at the Hallelujah Community in the Unité 15 sector of the neighborhood of Parcelles Assainies, Dakar.

The Chapel prepared for the Ritual

The decoration of the chapel set the mood: Sandals and a suitcase has been placed on the sand spread on the floor to form a road; a globe was placed in a corner and, along the length of the road, neatly arranged, one could see the flags of the United States and of Italy. A big picture of Mother Frances was placed on the altar. This scene symbolized the idea of moving from one end of the world to the other.

The background was a yellow, golden and white cloth which was used to transmit the brightness of Christ's resurrection. The globe represented our universality, the sandals our footsteps following Jesus as we go where we are sent. We journey to bring the light of the resurrection to all humankind.

During the Ritual

They also represent the footsteps of the peace of Saint Francis -- the same footsteps that initially brought our Sisters from Germany to America and then from America to Italy.

This Sisters of the Hallelujah community, the Sisters of the Formation House and the Novices and Postulants attended the ceremony. Associates and the girls of the foyer Bakita also were invited to attend. At 7 p.m. sharp, the prayer started with the entrance song. After the song, we sang hymns and prayed prayer of Saint Francis. Brother Leo’s blessing concluded this moment of praise and gratitude to God.